Date | July 4th-6th |
---|---|
Circuit Length | 5.891 km |
Laps | 52 |
Lap Record | 1:27.097 – Max Verstappen (2020) |
Previous Winner | Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes (2024) |
History of the F1 British GP
Back in 1942, the construction of a perimeter road for the RAF Silverstone airfield unknowingly set the stage for one of the most legendary race tracks in motorsport history. By 1947, the circuit saw its first proper motor race, though the day took a tragic turn when a stray sheep wandered onto the track.
Silverstone made history as the site of the first-ever Formula 1 World Championship race on May 13, 1950. The event marked the start of an exciting new era in motorsport, with Giuseppe Farina claiming victory in his Alfa Romeo 158. Farina would later go on to win the championship that year, forever tying his name to the circuit’s remarkable legacy in the F1 season.
Silverstone GP Highlights
- Mansell’s Iconic Victory and Senna’s Ride – 1991
Nigel Mansell delighted the home crowd with a dominant win at the 1991 British Grand Prix. After the race, Ayrton Senna’s car ran out of fuel, and Mansell famously gave him a lift back to the pits on his Williams car. This moment between two legendary F1 drivers created one of the most iconic images in Formula 1 history. - Schumacher’s Controversial Win – 1998
Michael Schumacher’s 1998 victory at Silverstone was marked by controversy. After receiving a 10-second stop-go penalty, Schumacher served it on the final lap, crossing the finish line while in the pit lane, which led to debates about the race’s conclusion. - Hamilton’s Record-Breaking Ninth British GP Win – 2024
Lewis Hamilton made history at Silverstone in 2024 by securing his ninth British GPvictory, surpassing Michael Schumacher’s record for the most wins at a single circuit. This triumph ended a 945-day winless streak for Hamilton and was celebrated passionately by the home crowd.
Circuit Specifications
- Corners: 18
- DRS Zones:2
- Pit Stop Strategies: One-Stop Strategy
- Most Used Tires: Starting on a medium compound and switching to a harder tire mid-race
During the 2018 British Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton likened a full-throttle lap at Silverstone to piloting a fighter jet—a testament to the circuit’s exhilarating nature. Despite undergoing several layout revisions over the years, Silverstone has preserved its identity as one of the quickest tracks on the Formula 1 calendar. Iconic corners like Maggotts, Becketts, and Abbey remain some of the most challenging and rewarding sections for F1 teams and drivers, showcasing the circuit’s unique ability to blend speed with technical precision.
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F1 British GP FAQs
- Who holds the record for the most wins at Silverstone?
Lewis Hamilton holds the record with nine victories at the British Grand Prix. - What is the average speed at Silverstone?
The average speed during a Formula 1 lap at Silverstone is approximately 240-250 km/h. - Which team has the most wins at the British Grand Prix?
The team with the most wins at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone is Mercedes, with 11 victories as of 2024.